In the second half of the 1980s, as the Soviet Union continued to wane, mere years from falling entirely, a new sense of identity formed throughout the Baltic states. Latvia, declaring independent statehood in 1991, experienced a new wave of expression as the country sought to reaffirm its own culture and establish itself anew.

Now, a new Melbourne-based ensemble has burst onto the scene, announcing its debut concert later this month. Formed by students and staff of the University of Melbourne, Melbourne Strings is the brainchild of Latvian violinist Sophia Kirsonova, who is currently undertaking a Ph.D at the University focusing on the music of post-Baltic Revolution Latvia. 

Melbourne Strings. Photo © LukMedia.

Fittingly, the all-female ensemble’s debut on 29 April, Distant Light, has a keen focus on this music, highlighting Latvian composers both past and contemporary. The program includes works by Pēteris Vasks, and the premiere of a new work by Australian-Latvian composer Sandra Aleksejeva-Birze, written specially for Melbourne Strings.

Limelight caught up with Sophia Kirsonova to find out more.

How did Melbourne Strings form, did you all meet...